Norwich Cathedral's Weathervane: A Century-Old Mystery Unveiled
The iconic gold-leafed weathervane atop Norwich Cathedral has a secret. It's older than we thought. A century, to be precise. Revd Canon Aidan Platten, the cathedral's resident historian, revealed an unexpected discovery during a routine restoration in 2020.
"We knew there had been a weathercock on the spire since the 18th century," he said. "But when we took the weathervane down, we found a date mark of 1668. It's a fascinating find."
This discovery is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it means the weathervane is likely much older than previously believed, dating back to the early years of the restored monarchy. Secondly, it highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspections. The weathervane, a symbol of the cathedral's history, needed attention to ensure its longevity.
"It's a beautiful piece of craftsmanship," Platten continued. "And it's a great example of why we need to stay on top of maintenance. Gold leaf, like the kind used on this weathervane, doesn't require much upkeep, but regular checks are essential."
The weathervane, a structure that points towards the wind, is a common feature on cathedrals. However, not all churches have one. In the 9th century, Pope Nicholas issued an edict stating that churches should have a weathercock. The cockerel, a symbol often associated with weathervanes, represents the first sounds of nature each day, reminding us of the gift of a new sunrise.
"It's a fascinating piece of history," Platten added. "And it's a great reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage."
The restoration process involved taking the weathervane down to ground level for inspection and repair. The bearings were greased to ensure the weathervane can continue to move freely, allowing it to function as intended for centuries to come.
